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Comics To Astonish
9400 Snowden River Pkwy #112, Columbia, MD 21045, United States
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Comics To Astonish
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Ke
Review №1

Lovely store, warm and welcoming staff. Great inventory, and a fantastic place to play games. Magic pre-releases are particularly well done. This is everything youre looking for in an LCS!

Jo
Review №2

Pretty cool, Ive seen stores with much more older issues that are cheaper. But this would be fine if you are looking for something new.

Ca
Review №3

Great Selection! Great Customer Service! I definitely recommend it

Mi
Review №4

Great shop, wonderful amount of stock, absolutely excellent management. Also real cool they have DnD along with Star Wars LegionProducts.

Si
Review №5

Love this little store! They have a decent amount of manga and a huge collection of comics. As well as pokemon cards and other collectable items. People there are also very nice!

Ni
Review №6

I bought a comic from their eBay store. The owner was very helpful, quick to reply, and shipped the comic in a timely manner. The seller put in effort to help me with an issue with eBay so that I can get my order. I appreciate the great service and would highly recommend buying from this seller.

Mi
Review №7

I walked into this shop 3 minutes before it was about to close on Christmas Eve eager to find a specific comic for my son. The young lady at the counter mentioned it was closing time but when she saw I was lost and confused about what I needed she came over to help. Even though I was clearly standing between she and her holiday free time, she took the time to answer all of my questions and make suggestions based on what I told her about my son. The best news is that she was right on point and my son absolutely LOVED her suggestion.Little did she know that had totally gone out of my way to find this shop and had planned my entire shopping afternoon around making it to that store. I am very thankful that she was knowledgeable, friendly and kind enough to take the time to help.

An
Review №8

Ordered several comic books that came quickly and super well packaged. They were bagged and boarded inside of a snug-fitting large bag (with alternating spines) inside of a double-layer cardboard sandwich, taped well, inside of a cardboard mailing envelope. There was no damage, no bent corners, no compression damage! Thank you for the spectacular service!

Lo
Review №9

Great customer service! I stumbled upon this shop after eating at the pho restaurant next door. I bought a sailor moon funko mini figurine and the first issue of Silk marvel comics here. Lady behind the counter was very helpful!

De
Review №10

Its reliable for current series, but their back catalog is difficult to keep up with, and there isnt a huge selection of graphic novels. Im grateful its in Columbia for convenience, but there are other spots Id prefer if its an option.

Jr
Review №11

Woman behind the counter was nice. Store doesnt have many titles at all (2 small Bens and 2 racks that twirl). Wanted to see one of the older books behind the counter. She wouldnt let me take it out of the board and bag, nor was she able to take it out herself. Said the owner does that and she doesnt feel comfortable doing it. I would never burchase an older book without looking at the back. It could be ripped or torn and I would never know until I bought. Doesnt make a whole lot of sense. They should be able to to tell by watching the way I inspect the books that I know what Im doing and what Im looking for when inspecting. Customer observation is the key.I prefer to bag and board the comics myself, but she wouldnt even let me do that. I held my breath while she struggled to squeeze the the board with comic in the bag at the same time, not my style, but she managed to get squeeze them in.They had very few hot current variants and even less if you wanted several to choose from, IE..Brzrkr, Joker 2, Robin 1. Had no new bad idea books (Eniac, tanker or Whalesville), but I do understand not alot of comic shops were given the opportunity to get the bad idea line of comics. I do understand that they are a small comic book shop, so thats why they dont carry as many titles as the big boys, but its still sad to come come way out of my way. I just assumed they would have the hot titles I looked for. Shouldve called first.Theyre the only shop in the area who had CGC boxes, so I did score something. Just wish I was able to look at the older books. Ill probably only come here in the future if I need another CGC box

Is
Review №12

Friendly local comic shop.

Jo
Review №13

Great little shop for comics and CCGs. Recommend.

Re
Review №14

My sons one stop shop for all things MTG. He loves this place and the people that work there are so nice.

Sh
Review №15

Great comic books place

lo
Review №16

Great store! The employees are super nice and helpful. They are always there to inform, or even have a casual conversation. Very organized magic: the gathering events and they try very hard to be as fair and accommodating to anyone who comes by.

Jo
Review №17

Preordered MTG 2021, the guy there was very nice and friendly. I like the atmosphere they have, and I will definitely be returning to buy from them. Their website is very easy to navigate as well.

Ni
Review №18

The cashier was a total tool, who didnt even say hello or thank you. The cashier at the Mount Airy store was the same way. No wonder that store just closed.(Reply to author) When I first went to the store, you had wonderful staff. Ergo, years of service. Your ironic thanks for my years of service speaks to the validity of my critique. Im sure youve noticed that my post was not the first to elaborate of customer treatment when they go into your stores.(Edit with response to owner) I changed my rating from a 1 star to 4 because you changed your response (which wasnt nice) to my original post. In your revised response you apologize for any issues. Thank you! I wish I had originally had a better experience (see above), but positive feedback from the owner is always refreshing. I truly liked the store and the experiences I had with every employee except that one person, so I feel it is only fair that I emphasize that in this revision of the review.

an
Review №19

Great staff and super friendly and relaxed group of regular players. Super happy to have C2A as our local game store. There are other stores near by with bigger selections of games and gaming supplies, but we always choose to play here.

Da
Review №20

To anyone who wants to sell an old comic collection, I recommend that you first contact Comics To Astonish. The owner is friendly and fair. When I needed some information on selling some comics, he was very helpful. The price list he used was comparable to the prices I had researched from several sources. He handled all the work involved in marketing my comics for a fair commission. He saved me from the unpleasant work I would have had to do in selling them myself. I can highly recommend him for his knowledge, fairness and good nature.

Ch
Review №21

Extremely impressive selection of sealed MTG ranging from 1995 sets and onward, with plenty of supplemental options.

Review №22

Great customer service from the guy behind the counter. He doesn’t come off douchey like most.

Ve
Review №23

Nice little store of they dont have it theyre is a good chance its on their website or theyll order it for you

Sh
Review №24

I haven’t bought a comic book in over 2 decades. Yes, over 20 years! Caught wind of Spawn #300 (variant Spider-Man #300 cover) and Google searched local comic shops. Visited “Comics To Astonish” and was happy with my experience. The young lady working was very friendly and helpful with questions. I talked nerd with one of the other customers while we waited. The store is small, yet they have a lot of selections for your comic book, trade paperback, figures, etc needs. I’d recommend and will more than likely return and pick up my teenage hobby again.

Te
Review №25

Plenty of comics and sealed Magic products. Bought the Harley Quinn new 52 paper backs. They special ordered issue number 2. The wife was ecstatic.

DN
Review №26

Spent about three years looking for a certain comic in various small shops, but finally I found a place that has it all! Big plus is that all the trade paperbacks are in plastic covering to protect them and the person working there was very helpful! Would definitely recommend this place for most anything youre looking for!

Jo
Review №27

Helpful and friendly staff!

Ja
Review №28

This is a great neighborhood comic, game, Magic the Gathering and Table top (RPG) shop! The staff is both knowledgeable and helpful across the full spectrum of all things nerdy, geeky and otherwise awesome :) Not only can they help collectors find rare comics and cards, they are especially good at helping friends and family members find meaningful gifts for that special nerd in their life :) Another great thing about this store and more importantly, the local community/culture, is how welcoming they are. I have seen everyone from age 8 to 50+ sitting at the same table, playing the same game, and everyone was having a good time!I know that the stores (there is one in Mt Arie also) host a large number of official Magic the Gathering and Dungeons and Dragons adventure league games. These events are welcoming to all ages and experience levels. They are a great way to try new games and meet new people.Highest recommendations!

Ju
Review №29

You definitely have the option to go to a bigger comic/game store, but we like C2A because of the staff and general atmosphere of the place. The MtG events are sometimes hectic and a little cozy, sure, but the players, organizers, and staff are some of the most awesome and helpful people to spend a few hours with.

Da
Review №30

First off, I have to say I entered this store on a whim and I was interested in Magic Cards only. I was surprised to see available booster packs spanning all the way back to Iceage, Homelands, and Fallen Empires. There were a lot of sets here that just simply arent seen on store shelves anymore. There was a couple of cases containing a limited selection of single cards that spanned the history of magic. Also there were a ton of alternative sealed product options such as premium card packages, preconstructed decks, and starter products. In addition to actual cards, there were all manners of assorted card accessories, dice, and containers.Aside from Magic related items, The available comic book selection appeared impressive to me, but I know little about them. The staff were friendly and helpful. Definitely worth a visit if you have interest in any of these items.

Da
Review №31

Nice place. They need to create a better floor setup. Once you are on one side of the tables youre kinda stuck as there are only 2 path ways to the other side. Only been there once as I was travelling, but it was a fine shop to hang out and play some magic.

St
Review №32

Ive been here three times and I dont plan to return. Im writing this as a warning. The employee Ive dealt with all three times is incredibly rude. When asked if theyd get more of a new comic instead of answering me, he literally explained to me that theres not multiple FIRST printings in the most condescending tone imaginable. No idea why he is so deliberately rude, but that combined with their prices vs shops like third eye and big planet who have friendly staff and reasonable prices makes this shop one to avoid. Id rather take my chances on Amazon or eBay than ever go here again.

Su
Review №33

The best selection of Comics for last 25-30yrs I think this place has been here. They have all the latest and I think they still host game playing. Stocked full with collectibles for your home or desk at work.

La
Review №34

Great selection of single and trade comics. The staff is helpful and very friendly. Love this place!

Ra
Review №35

Good comic book store.

Ch
Review №36

I purchased a sealed Pokémon product and when opening the box I noticed the booster packs were resealed and glue was all over the ends of the packs. Disappointed in my visit.

Se
Review №37

I had an amazing experience here at the store. I have been there several times before for just small comics, occasionally a hulk read or something of that nature, but I wanted to get more serious. I went in wanting a Superman comic, more like a graphic novel, and I had some ideas of what I wanted them to be (style, author, issue #, etc). When I went in, however, these specific comics were no where to be found; I was so upset. I didnt really know what else to look at, and just as I was about to leave, I pulled back a Spider-Man novel and there sat Superman For Tomorrow by Jim Lee. At first it looked, well, bad. Not the quality of the book, no no, I just didnt like the style of the art, at first. I brought it up to a clerk and I asked is this any good? He told me I could open it and look inside. Wow!! I didnt expect it at all! And when I did, I was blown away by the amazing art. It looked incredible. He told me it was a great read and he recommended it. I paid for it and left, and spent the rest of the day reading it. This is my favorite comic book Ive ever gotten. The art is astounding and the story is incredible. To make it even better, the people at Comics to Astonish helped me make an informed decision, and a good purchase. I am so happy with my experience here, they are wonderful. I plan on going back soon as well! Looking for some Batman or Spawn comics. Great job Comics to Astonish! Youve made a life long customer!

Ja
Review №38

Employees are nice, but management doesnt really care about their service. The website (managment/owner) and store have a communication issue that the former entity fails to acknowledge. Space for gameplay is limited unless it is a special event, then they hold it somewhere else. Merchandise is priced a bit high and individual cards like, magic the gathering, are priced at near mint usually despite actual card shape. My advice go somewhere else like Games and Stuff in Glen Burnie, Gritty Goblin, or even take the hike to Annapolis to visit Third Eye Games. At least with these stores you will have room to move, a nicer atmosphere to play or shop, and a much better selection of items at a very similiar price point.

Lo
Review №39

Service was absolutely horrible, when I asked for help the employee sat there and continued to eat her food and just point to where I should go, instead of getting up and helping me. She did this 2 times in a row mind you. I had to basically demand some help by the 3rd time I asked, which was recieved with nothing but unpleasant attitude. Its just crazy someone can be so unprofessional, especially with something as fun as comics.

Ma
Review №40

Everyone here is super nice to anyone with any level of comics knowledge. Id only caution that their recommendations are more for adults; when I asked for recs for a kindergartner I ended up with stuff way above that level. Just go to the kids section (right up front) and use your judgment instead.

Fr
Review №41

Awesome comic shop. Always super nice and helpful. You can get a box and they’ll keep the comics for you as they come out.

Ba
Review №42

Love this place. Though small it has a really good selection and the staff knows the local crowd well, always ready with a suggestion.

Gr
Review №43

Super friendly shop with a pretty good back catalog of back issues. Were willing to hold books for me till i could get there. Definitely recommend this shop.

Ki
Review №44

I love this store! The lady was so nice and answered all my dumb questions about magic the gathering with patience and kindness!

Pa
Review №45

This place is absolutely amazing, their selection is even better. Im not much into comics but they have what seems to be a great comics selection as well. As for magic they have boosters from pretty much 4th edition to present and anything in between. I would say they are $$ but with the selection and location thats to be expected. The guy greeted me soon as I walked through the doors and was very friendly. I might just make this my new go to lgs especially if they get a modern crowd going.

Jo
Review №46

Generally friendly staff, great selection of comics (current and back issues), stocked on MTG sets new and old, plenty of mtg events. An average local comic shop. Some items fall short of competitive pricing compared to Amazon and other book stores.

Jo
Review №47

While the back issue selection is always kept well stocked, even the most recent back issues are at least 50 cents over cover price. The staff is also less than friendly, and besides the occasional indifferent greeting when entering the store, they do not offer to help customers unless asked to do so. There have been a couple of times where upon request to help look for something, the staff member looked annoyed that I bothered him in the middle of his Magic game.

Ma
Review №48

Ive been collecting comic books for the past 20 years (with a bunch of off years here and there) so Ive been frequenting many of these types of stores for quite some time. The best ones in my opinion have lots of boxes of old issues, really expensive collector issues in the glass case, new issues on the newsstand and tons of action hero toys. This is that type of store. Some comic book stores these days only focus on new issues and the collectors books. Those stores are fine but its nice to be able to pick up some older issues.This store has great prices on boxes, bags/boards and graphic novels. The staff is extremely helpful and they really know their stuff when it comes to comics and the authors.

Ju
Review №49

This shop is small and has an ok selection but back issues can be overpriced. I found there are other shops in the area that have a wider selection and better pricing. On Saturdays there is gaming going on in the shop which causes the store to slide boxes to the side which makes looking for any back issues extremely difficult. There are a lot of shops that sell new issues so digging for back issues is something I enjoy. I dont see myself returning here anytime soon unfortunately.

Sh
Review №50

This is an awesome shop. I love coming with my son to talk comics and superheroes with the staff who are all awesome to him.

Ji
Review №51

Been a customer since before the bricks and mortar store even opened - always got what I wanted and often great selections were put aside for me so I wouldnt miss issues or books that thye thought I might like

An
Review №52

Love playing dungeons and dragons and they had a really nice selection of minis for a competitive price

Na
Review №53

Nice place folks there are pretty knowledgeable and helpful on the several occasions I visited. Give it a shot.

Za
Review №54

Came for the comic books, so I have no say on the MTG side of things in this store.This store has a large selection of new books and will usually have the new book youre looking for in stock. The back issues however are where it gets pricey. They charge $4.50 minimum for seemingly ever book older than ~1 year even if the cover price is $3.99.Classic back issues are even more expensive: their pricing model is either $5, $10, $20, $30, or $40, with each issue being marked with a certain color sticker indicating the price. Ive looked through bins and found $20 issues Ive gotten at other stores for $1.Key & variant comics: they charge sometimes more than double the eBay/competitor price of a key issue or variant, sometimes in worse condition. (for example, asking ~$40 for a damaged ASM #800 variant even though you can get a perfect condition one on eBay for $10.)Overall, this store is good for those that read new comics due to the large selection, but bad for those that collect old comics due to the prices.

Mi
Review №55

The store features a decent supply of recent comics and games, but I felt the magic card game was the primary focus and they had a great supply.

Sa
Review №56

I had a great experience! I am a novice to comics and Magic and the guy behind the counter (bryan) was a big help. He was very patient with me and helped me to find a Batman book and explained their magic events and how to enter. I was hesitant to come back due to a bad experience with staff about a year ago but it seems that person has left. Fantastic upgrade!

S
Review №57

Great experience. Love the staff and their knowledge of comics. Really good collection of comic books and other collectibles.

St
Review №58

These people must not like money. Took my kids here after pizza and tried to buy some Pokemon cards, dice and a few comics. We waited patiently for the rude girl behind the counter to get up from her phone for like ten minutes to come grab the cards that were in arms reach. After waiting another man came in the store and started demanding card sleeves and went behind the counter to grab them and basically pushed myself and kids out of the way to get them. He went to the counter and I decided to grab the small pack of cards for my patient polite kids and the snotty brat behind the counter snapped at me and told us we needed to wait for her to get them! Then she said, oh this guy is an owner so its ok for him! LOL so you would rather be rude to the customer who is waiting to buy things from your overpriced store than have the owner wait a few seconds to help us? It was beyond rude and we will never be back Ill get my kids comics elsewhere where they respect young readers and their customers. Spend your hard earned money somewhere else!!!!

Ch
Review №59

The staff has been generally friendly over the years that we have had a subscription box.

Kr
Review №60

This is a very nice comic book store. Super organized and friendly staff.

St
Review №61

Staff is very friendly and the magic events they host are lively. Kind of a small space but have lots of neat merchandise.

Te
Review №62

Great place. Went there looking for old issues for my son for Christmas. Had everything thing I needed except one item on the 23rd. They got me the other item and called me on Christmas Eve. Made my son really happy on Christmas

JE
Review №63

Fun place, friendly helpful staff. Thanks for the help guys!

St
Review №64

I made my first visit to this store to buy a 9.6 CGC graded copy of a comic that was listed at like half the price of any other 9.6 CGC copy available on the Internet. That must have a pricing mistake on their part though because everything else in their store is way too expensive.Most of their current back issues that are not new enough to be on the new release wall are priced at $4.50 if the cover price is $3.99. I have seen a price markup on select popular titles at other stores, but not everything!At least their customers are weirdly loyal. They had a recent variant cover I wanted priced at $24 and I found it on Ebay for $10 with free shipping. I asked the clerk if he could get close to that price and he said no. Then the guy standing next me said I should buy it anyway because I can actually see the condition of this copy and I can have it now. I laughed and said Nope! Not for more than twice the price.Just today I found the exact same variant cover at my usual comic shop were I get a 15% discount. It was priced at $14.99 and that would be $12.74 with my discount. I asked the clerk if he could match the $10 Ebay price and he said yes without hesitation.

To
Review №65

What can I say about this comic shop? When I walked in the shop it was not busy at all, just one shop keeper and a customer looking at what I thought were M:TG cards. This was the first time I have been here and the website looked really good. I looked at their wall of key issues and I was impressed by their selection. What I was not impressed with was the customer service. Nobody greeted me or my family, never mention if there was a sale, and if I didnt know better I would have totally missed Halloween Comicfest. When I asked about some of the comics on the wall, the guy hardly looked at me as he was getting the books for me to look at. Maybe he was having an off day, but I was put off by it. I am used to comic shops where the people behind the registers have a little bit more enthusiasm. Maybe they could had some music going or maybe have a television playing a movie or show. I dont know: Thor, Captain America, Green Lantern take your pick. I looked around a bit more, bought one comic book, and left with my daughter. This is a great shop if you are looking for some nice key issues. They even had 2 copies Hulk 181 on that wall. But at some other shops I have been to, those would have been sold already. BTW, dont miss the sign that says Due to the nature of the collectible market, all sales are final. That told my wife all she needed about the store.

Ka
Review №66

Nice place. Employee there was helpful and super nice.

Mi
Review №67

Super helpful and friendly staff.

Ba
Review №68

Great service & excellent selection of new and old comics.

An
Review №69

Did a magic prerelease event there. It was fun, decent crowd of people, nice enough atmosphere. However, their prize system is the weirdest thing. People who went 3-0 got different levels of prizes. Someone who went 1-2 got the same prize as someone who went 2-1. Like Im sure they put some logic into it. But it was bad logic.Outside of that event, they have a large selection of comics, as to be expected from their name. They also have a limited selection of magic singles and board games. Overall a decent spot in the area of those are the things youre looking for, probably one of the larger comic selections in the area. The store itself is very small, Ive been in wider hallways.

Ro
Review №70

Some of the prices are a little expensive, but its a pretty friendly atmosphere.

Ch
Review №71

Good people who can find what you are looking for and great prices

Ha
Review №72

Maybe I shouldnt write a review because I never actually shopped there, but a shout out to the awesome staff, one of them found my phone when I unknowingly dropped it in the parking lot, and he picked it up, brought it inside, and answered to tell me where I could come get it! They have some integrity for sure:)

Ny
Review №73

Good selection of books. Friendly customer service.

Al
Review №74

I love comic books.. i have alot of comic books 20 to 70 years olds. And they are in perfect cinditions.. wanna sell it

Fe
Review №75

The place is nice; good selection, albeit a little pricey on back issues, but many of the workers have virtually no personality with the exception of one gentleman who helped me with some of the POP characters and the Marvel keychains.

Tr
Review №76

Great products with a nice selection, but the staff comes of as unapproachable, sometimes not even giving a hello when you stop by.

Co
Review №77

Awesome selection of comics and mtg cards, great service.

Al
Review №78

Staff is condescending and rude. Things are more expensive for no reason. We just moved up here, and Im really missing the friendly staff at Big Planet comics. Id rather just order on Amazon.

Ra
Review №79

Great selection of back issues. Extremely overpriced though.

Da
Review №80

They are awesome, especially Evelyn and Josh!

Mi
Review №81

Great little store, nice vibe

C
Review №82

Good selection BUT way over priced. Expect to pay 4X the value.

Cl
Review №83

Had all the updated comics I need will be back.

20
Review №84

Awesome place

St
Review №85

Sitting outside the store thirty minutes after the advertised opening time and its dark and locked with a crowd of people waiting to go in. Not a great way to do business.

Ku
Review №86

Lot of back issues, but waaaaaay overpriced.

Jo
Review №87

Great selection

St
Review №88

Comix

Jo
Review №89

Great comics, toys, and games

Ca
Review №90

Friendly staff!

Da
Review №91

Amazing!

Re
Review №92

Awesome place!!!!

Information
10 Photos
92 Comments
4.3 Rating
  • Address:9400 Snowden River Pkwy #112, Columbia, MD 21045, United States
  • Site:http://comicstoastonish.com/
  • Phone:+1 410-381-2732
Categories
  • Collectibles store
  • Comic book store
  • Game store
  • Trading card store
Working hours
  • Monday:12–7PM
  • Tuesday:12–7PM
  • Wednesday:12–7PM
  • Thursday:11AM–7PM
  • Friday:12–5PM
  • Saturday:Closed
  • Sunday:Closed
Service options
  • In-store pickup:Yes
  • In-store shopping:Yes
Health & safety
  • Mask required:Yes
  • Staff required to disinfect surfaces between visits:Yes
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance:Yes
Planning
  • Quick visit:Yes
Payments
  • NFC mobile payments:Yes
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